Talk:Middlesex Sevens

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Why league is not invited anymore ?[edit]

'cause union is not fair enough to lose again (and be fooled) on ist own field. Sroulik 00:25, 5 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Because in 2005 there was a clash of RL games being shown on Sky and so none of the League teams could attend. The tournament was reduced to 12 teams ( previously 16 teams) as other invitation sides are difficult to attract, partly due to pre-season training in the Northern hemisphere. The 12 teams structure remained for three years. I understand league teams are being talked about for 2009. p.s. League have not won everytime they have entered a team! Granted twice out of three entries. St Helens were beaten.

Why this empahsis on League sides ?[edit]

Its a rugby union tournament anyway —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.75.197.143 (talk) 09:55, 27 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It's an invitational tournament and had recently become just a all-Premiership affair. It doesn't do union any favours with deep into professionalism their teams getting beaten by league sides like Bradford and Wigan. The other non-domestic competition sides were cut for similar reasons, not just financial ones.Londo 06 10:14, 27 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I agree its bland as a purely Premiership tournament. However the reason the League sides were dropped initially was that there was a clash of fixtures being screened by Sky on the tournament day in 2005 so no League club could make it that year. Other guests sides were reluctant to commit (with the exception of the Army) - Celtic leagues start date not confirmed, French not back at their clubs etc etc. The decision was taken to reduce to 12 teams played in Pools and that structure stuck for three years. It probably was a relief to English Union clubs to know that League would not be there but it was not the driving force behind the decision. Pleased to see invitation sides are back this year, but not league sides yet,although I do know its on the agenda for 2009.